Bandanna attack

I love planning details for parties! The real challenge of a big holiday is not to go over the top with matching the decor. It needs to give the vibe without hitting you over the head. That’s why I am loving this bandanna inspired table setting. It so reminds me of classic Americana  as does the gingham cupcake liners. Subtle but patriotic at the same time. The metallic star plates are just to fun to pass up! What do you like to focus on when you are party planning?

Pie Crust

Recipe for a great party: pies (in my humble opinion) These pie pops and individual pie making machine will set you apart! Here is a great DIY for the pops and where you can get this neat gadget for your collection. And who says they have to be sweet! A good chicken pot pie would cure anyones Tuesday Blues.

Give a Cactus

Ever have those sheer panic moments of running late to a party and have nothing to give the host/hostess as you enter their house? It’s honestly the worst feeling for me. I am a stickler for this particular etiquette rule. At a recent housewarming party I attended some friends of mine showed up with a cacti plant in hand! Pure genius. Much easier to maintain than a tricky house plant and it leaves a much longer impression than a bottle of wine.

Cactus Gift offers 10 potted cacti in 1″ pots for $20 bucks! Not only will you have gifts on hand but they add a touch of green to your windowsill. It also can be a fun project to make it a little more personal by painting  the pots.

The Way to Buffet

Having a buffet at a party is a great response to a casual get together. It evokes mingling between people by making them float from dish to dish. This table top arrangement also allows for ample creativity.

Some good Buffet knowledge:

• Have multiple tables around the party to decrease a traffic jam
• Plates, napkins and flatware should be at set up in several locations
• To keep the table top interesting use different height levels
• Make it more colorful with jars of different candies or mints
• Have a table designated for dirty dishes and a trash can for napkins

Of course that the delishous food is the most important part but if it is displayed in a nice way with complimaently decorations it will be even sweeter.